This year, WSAB ran a scavenger hunt throughout the month of May. Our hunt consisted of twelve clues for staff to decode. Each clue represented a favorite place on campus of a fellow staff member. After decoding the spot, participants were required to visit and photograph each place.
But anyway, to the important part, our winners! Leon Hedstrom, from French and Italian, finished first with the most correct answers. Leon was followed closely by Laura Nevins from Physics and Astronomy in second place. Our top five was rounded out by a three-way, third place tie from Vaso Ventresca (Physics and Astronomy), Jean Deven (Asian Languages and Cultures), and Jessica Clements (Dean’s Office). Winners – we will be in touch soon with prizes!
The answers to our clues, as well as the comments from the staff that suggested them, are included below.
Clue 1
Who is painted on a rock, right near the sea?
Absorbent and yellow and porous is he!
If baha’i temple views be something you wish,
Then find this rock and please snap a pic!
Answer: SpongeBob Square Pants rock on the lake path
Submitted by: Margaret Sagan who says “This rock has a beautiful view of the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette. The rock is a favorite resting place for me on summer walks.”
Clue 2
Nearby watch students play frisbee in their sneakers.
Step on the book to hear echoes of your own laughter.
Renamed in 2007, what shady grove once hosted many graduations and speakers?
Including a 1954 convocation honoring a president who a local expressway is named after.
Answer: Marjorie Weinberg Garden
Submitted by: Carrie Garrison who says “I love sitting on the bench and having lunch. A beautiful quiet spot overlooking the meadow. Wander the landscape path to reach the site of old graduations!”
Clue 3
Find this place place where stained glass dances with light,
Where the architect Halstead blended old and new just right.
Look closely to find a bird, mammals, and reptiles
You might just find yourself all smiles.
Answer: Alice Millar chapel
Submitted by: Margaret Mersch who says “It’s a peaceful place and I love the stained glass windows”
Clue 4
➕ 
Answer: Lake Fill
Submitted by: Silvia Toledo who says “It’s a beautiful part of campus that offers wonderful views of both our campus and Chicago skyline. We’re so fortunate to have access to such beautiful area for an afternoon walk to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle at the office, or simply enjoy the serenity and sounds that surround you while walking the paths.”
Clue 5
Most people focus east, as they walk this lakeside path filled with geese. If you look west, you’ll find another body of water that some staff like best. Early in the morning you just might see people fishing for largemouth bass and carp, or sight a beaver.
Answer:The Lagoon
Submitted by: Rossi Guenkova who says “I love walking around the lagoon when the when the weather is nice”
Clue 6
We are stardust, we are golden, we are 2 billion year old carbon. While it may be out of your element, find a building with a colorful name and a universal table, embedded in on the third floor.
Answer: Periodic table on Silverman Hall third floor
Submitted by: Feda Jarad who says “There’s a periodic table embedded on the third floor lobby in Silverman.”
Clue 7
This newly developed lakeside building was designed by an innovative architecture firm. Listen to children playing violin, walk over waves, take a picture of a favorite horizon while standing next to a giant pearl.
Answer:Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts
Submitted by: Nancy Hickey who says “Beautiful builidng with gorgeous views of the lake and downtown, and sounds of music from everywhere, including little children violin lessons. Floor on the ground floor has waves to you feel like you are on the water.”
Clue 8
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987,
This building was once filled with young students, including grade eleven.
Now simply named its address on the presidential street,
Find the building’s courtyard, the perfect place to take a break to eat.
Answer: Courtyard of 640 Lincoln (old Roycemore School Building
Submitted by: Josh Ippel who says “This building was the transitional space for our department during the Kresge rehab and I spent many of my lunch breaks during that time in the courtyard. It’s a peaceful little enclave.”
Clue 9
Find the West steps of a building named for the Chicago banker Norman
and designed by the Harvard educated architect Coolidge. This is a busy place filled with community and pretty horticultural details.
Answer: Front steps of Harris Hall (west entrance)
Submitted by: Annerys Cano who says “Sitting on the front steps of Harris Hall is my favorite place on campus. The bustling scene of students, parents, and visitors strolling through the arch offers a window into our campus community. I also get a sense of tranquility from the abundant greenery, accompanied by a scathing assortment of seasonal colors and bunnies.”
Clue 10
This historical building is home to many events, but can you find this sun drenched oasis just beyond its hard to book conference spaces?
Answer: Harris 108 Terrace
Submitted by: Michelle Farra who says “I love the juxtapositon of the formal, somewhat dark and stodgy space that is attached to, and how when you walk through the doors, you feel like you’ve been transported to a sun-drenched, urban oasis. And the plentiful ledges make it a very convenient place to convene with collegues without having to fumble with your plate of event goodies.”
Clue 11
While this south facing garden is the opposite of afloat, it is still worthy of a Diana statue and a shout out in the press. Some say “Goddesses Rule at Northwestern Gardens”.
Answer:Koch-Erickson Memorial Garden
Submitted by: Jill Mannor who says “I love this sunken garden! It’s like a special hidden grotto — when the light filters through the trees leaves, especially on a humid day, it casts a green glow over everything. And it has an elegant statue of Diana that makes my heart sing.”
Clue 12
On the steps to the building named for the meatpacking tycoon’s lost daughter, x marks the spot and the acoustics are top notch.
Answer:Front steps of Annie May Swift Hall
Submitted by: Cecile Sison who says “Annie May Swift was the original home for the School of Oratory, which later became the School of Speech which is now the School of Comm. The building is now mainly just run by the film school, and at one time WNUR was in the basement. What I love about it is that if you stand in the exact spot (the X of the stonework), it has perfect acoustics as you face Kresge.”